We are delighted to share the shortlist for this year’s VGC Group Go Beyond Awards, celebrating our colleagues who consistently demonstrate the VGC values and go above and beyond in their roles.
Nominations are submitted throughout the year by colleagues, clients and suppliers. Each month, our leadership team reviews every nomination and selects outstanding individuals to receive a commendation letter from Ciara Pryce, CEO, along with a gift voucher. These commendations form our long list for the end-of-year Go Beyond Awards final in December.
The awards reflect the three core VGC values:
We Achieve Potential • We Deliver on Our Promises • We Look After Each Other
Two awards are given in each category for our head office/management staff and our project based staff.
We are immensely proud of all those that have been nominated throughout the year and have thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the submissions.
Following a detailed review we are pleased to announce the 2025 shortlist.
“We Achieve Potential” Award Category
This award recognises individuals who:
- Demonstrate expertise and strong ethical standards.
- Achieve career and personal growth, showing a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Celebrate success, both individually and as part of the team.
Nominees in this category are recognised for their outstanding contributions, professional development, and embodiment of the company’s core values. The award highlights individuals who not only excel in their roles but also inspire others through their achievements and ethical approach to work.
Head Office / Management Shortlist
Katie Djordjevic – Labour Desk Manager
Katie has received outstanding feedback from clients, candidates and fellow team members for her unwavering support. A client described her as “a breath of fresh air,” praising her willingness to support and resolve issues quickly. She played a key role in the successful TUPE transition of 128 operatives during the Balfour Beatty transfer, ensuring full compliance and a seamless experience under tight deadlines.
Kayleigh Keeling – Recruitment Consultant
Since joining VGC, Kayleigh has exceeded expectations and fully embraced our values. Her support for workers at Sizewell C, particularly her responsiveness to on-site issues and her commitment to colleagues, has been widely recognised.
Manpreet Rerhu – Resource and Compliance Coordinator
Manpreet’s deep knowledge and expertise of compliance and her proactive approach has been crucial in managing security passes at Heathrow and resourcing candidates efficiently. She is commended for anticipating challenges, maintaining strong relationships, and stepping in to cover additional responsibilities during team absences.
Thomas Surey – Management Accountant
Following the completion of his accountancy qualification and promotion, Thomas has driven improvements across P&L production, holiday pay and margin management. His contribution was specifically acknowledged by the Midlands operations team, and he played a significant role in the RSM payroll implementation project.
Fiona Dowling – Social Impact & Environment Advisor
Fiona has embraced her role within social impact, strengthening relationships between candidates, clients and charity partners. She ensures VGC is represented effectively at events while continuing to support quality, compliance and data reporting across the business.
Project-Based Team Shortlist
Andrew O’Neill – Ganger, Balfour Beatty HS2
Andrew demonstrated initiative and care following heavy rainfall by inspecting all brooks in his area, ensuring water flow, clearing debris and checking silt retainers. His actions were highlighted by the client and reinforced the importance of safety checks during adverse weather.
Harpreet Singh – Ganger, Balfour Beatty HS2
Harpreet is recognised for long-term dedication, continued upskilling and multiple client commendations. Now a Black Hat, he has been acknowledged at Safety Breakfasts numerous times and named on over 25 Good Practice Observations. He also won the BBV Best H&S Observation Award in January 2025 for proactive winter safety measures.
Saqieb Farooq – Supervisor, Ferrovial Heathrow
With approximately 15 years of service, Saqieb is praised for his reliability, professionalism and support for others. His strong work ethic and willingness to help make him a valued member of both the VGC and Ferrovial teams.
Alan Jones – Ganger/Chargehand, Balfour Beatty A57
Alan consistently exceeds expectations and was personally recognised by the client’s foreman for his dedication. His performance led the site management team to request his SSSTS training and progression into a Ganger role.
“We Deliver on Our Promises” Award Category
This award celebrates those who:
- Find solutions to challenges, demonstrating resourcefulness and determination.
- Innovate by introducing new ideas, processes, or improvements that benefit the business.
- Take responsibility for their performance, ensuring they meet or exceed expectations and deliver results.
Nominees in this category are recognised for their commitment to delivering on promises, driving progress, and upholding the company’s reputation for reliability and excellence. Their actions set a standard for accountability and inspire others to strive for high performance.
Head Office / Management Shortlist
Patrick Alexander – Service Desk Manager
Patrick demonstrated exceptional tenacity when resolving critical WiFi issues at the Lowestoft office. His coordination across multiple teams and clear communication ensured minimal disruption to essential systems.
BBV TUPE Team
(James Burke, Ryan Chadwick, Katie Djordjevic, Abbas Hussain, Jade Harrison, Laura Perry, Peter Ball, Steve Kenny, Nirvana Murray)
This team successfully delivered the TUPE transfer of more than 128 individuals for Balfour Beatty within just three weeks. Their organisation, due diligence and commitment to compliance ensured a smooth transition for all involved.
David Brevitt – Head of Business Performance / Controls
David has maintained a 90% tender success rate, a vital contribution to VGC’s growth and long-term sustainability. His effective management and administrative rigour have also freed up significant senior leadership time.
Natalie King – Head of IT and Digital Transformation & The Digital Transformation Team
(Digital: Mark Davies, Peter Webb, James Ayling; Payroll: Elaine Burke, Gina Holohan, Lauren Bishop, Angela Holder-Brown, Mel Clark; Finance: Chris Hoyle, Thomas Surey, Zoe James; Commercial: Dee Martin, Shauna McKeon and Michelle Walters-Girout.)
This major cross-functional project delivered a critical business system after 18 months of scoping, development, testing, training and implementation. Natalie King and the team ensured zero downtime to weekly payroll and commercial operations. Their dedication included increased workloads and weekend working during go-live.
Project-Based Team Shortlist
Alin Cantaragiu – Earthworks Ganger, Balfour Beatty M25 Jct 10
Alin prevented a potential safety risk by identifying a damaged lifting sling and immediately standing down the lift. He quarantined the equipment, alerted the client and arranged a replacement, demonstrating initiative and safety awareness.
Mark Hooper, Kane Kirwan and Prakash Achhami – SCS HS2
This team won the HS2 JV WRP Observation Award for their ecological awareness and quick thinking. After spotting a smooth newt on site, they safely cordoned off the area and worked with the Environmental Team to relocate it correctly, helping protect site biodiversity.
“We Look After Each Other” Award Category
This award recognises individuals who:
- Recognise that people are central to VGC’s success.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Celebrate diversity as a core strength, valuing different perspectives and backgrounds.
Nominees in this category are recognised for their dedication to supporting others, promoting teamwork, and creating a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and included. Their actions help build a positive workplace where collaboration and mutual respect drive success.
Head Office / Management Shortlist
Kayleigh Boxley – Business Development Manager
Kayleigh is commended for her consistent support, patience and practical solutions. Her commitment to helping her operatives and colleagues has made a meaningful impact across the business.
Anna Slavova – Senior Resourcer and Compliance Specialist
Anna consistently puts all her effort into managing compliance and has been incredibly supportive of the team. Always the first to offer help and guidance to her peers, Anna’s knowledge, efficiency, and kindness have had a significant positive impact on the team.
Nirvana Murray – Business Support Manager
Nirvana played a key role in the TUPE onboarding process, mapping qualifications and providing essential data. Her willingness to step beyond her usual responsibilities ensured accurate information and smooth delivery for our client.
Project-Based Team Shortlist
Haily Habtom – Skilled Worker, Balfour Beatty Sizewell C
Haily is recognised for his commitment to colleagues’ safety and wellbeing. He has earned praise from managers, site teams and the client, won a Best of the Best Award, and undertaken fire marshal training to increase his contribution to site safety.
Craig Wheater & James McCrory – Morgan Sindall, Northumberland Line Bedlington
Craig and James acted decisively during a life-threatening incident involving a member of the public. They alerted the team, administered first aid, retrieved a defibrillator and provided support until emergency services arrived. Their actions demonstrated exceptional calm, care and leadership.
Congratulations to All Our Shortlisted Nominees!
Your dedication and achievements embody the very best of VGC. Thank you for your hard work, professionalism and impact throughout the year. You are all winners to us.The final Go Beyond Award winners will be announced on Thursday 18 December 2025 at our end-of-year team meeting and awards ceremony.
